Tracheitis physical examination

Patients with tracheitis usually appear toxic, lethargic and in respiratory distress. They may be aggressive due to hypoxia and hypercarbia. Physical examination of patients with tracheitis is usually remarkable for tachycardia, tachypnea, and stridor. ^[1]

Physical examination of patients with tracheitis is usually remarkable for stridor, tracheal tenderness, and intercostal retractions. ^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}

Coarse crackles can be heard on auscultation of the chest, signifying underlying pneumonia.

• Patients with bacterial tracheitis may appear toxic, lethargic and in respiratory distress.

• Fever

• Tachycardia

• Tachypnea

• Hypotension

• Cyanosis in impending respiratory distress

• Inflamed nares / congested nares
• Purulent exudate from the nares
• Erythematous throat
• Mild drooling

• Lymphadenopathy may be present
• Tracheal tenderness on palpation

• Stridor (Inspiratory or Biphasic)
• Decreased chest expansion
• Coarse crackles upon auscultation of the lungs bilaterally
• Egophony present when pneumonia develops as a complication
• Bronchophony present when pneumonia develops as a complication

• Rapid heart rate can be heard on auscultation

• Abdominal examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

• Back examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

• Genitourinary examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal
• Altered mental status/ acute confusion may be present in hypoxemic individuals

• Cyanosis can be seen in hypoxemia.

Template:WH Template:WS